ENGINE BRAKE GP 1487483 - Caterpillar

3100 and 3200 Series EnginesUse the procedure that follows when replacing a head gasket on the above engines. This procedure can help insure the integrity of the gasket joint between the cylinder head and cylinder block.
1. After removing the cylinder head, scrape any remaining gasket material and carbon residue from the cylinder block top deck and the cylinder head bottom deck. Then finish cleaning the deck surfaces with a light abrasive material, such as steel wool.2. Visually inspect the deck surfaces for grooves and nicks. Give particular attention to the deck surface locations that contact the head gasket fire rings.3. Inspect the deck surfaces for flatness. The decks must be flat to within 0.15 mm (.006") for the total span and to within 0.08 mm (.003") for any 152 mm (6.0") span. Give particular attention to the deck area between the cylinder bores.4. If grooves, nicks, or out of flatness is discovered (Steps 2 and 3), the deck must be resurfaced. Remove only the material necessary to bring the deck surface back into specifications. The Specifications section of the Service Manual gives the minimum dimension between the center line of the crankshaft and the cylinder block top deck. It also gives the minimum dimension between the cylinder head bottom deck and rocker arm mounting surface.5. Inspect the threaded head bolt holes in the cylinder block. Be sure the threads are clean and in good condition. If necessary use the correct size tap to recondition the threads. Use pressurized air to remove foreign material from the threaded holes.6. Make sure the deck and head gasket surfaces are clean and dry. Install a new head gasket. Do not use any type of gasket coating or sealer on the head gasket or deck surfaces.7. Be sure the head bolt threads are in good condition and clean. Put a light coat of engine oil on the head bolt threads and washer surfaces prior to assembly.
Do not put oil in the threaded holes. It could cause a hydraulic lock when the head bolts are installed. This could result in damaged threads or a cracked block.
8. Use the procedure given in the Disassembly and Assembly Section of the Service Manual to tighten the head bolts.